Filed under: Spy Photos , Truck , Europe , Toyota The midsize truck segment is suddenly seemingly exploding with new vehicles worldwide, even here in North America. Not only will the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon be available very soon, Toyota is already testing a replacement for its aging Tacoma and Honda has promised a Ridgeline replacement within the next 18 months . Also, the recently shown Nissan Navara is said to portend the future of our Frontier . Here’s some more fresh evidence from Europe of this pickup boom with the next generation of its venerable Hilux in testing. Thanks to Top Gear and sometimes the evening news , the Hilux has built a reputation of being able to go just about anywhere. According to out spy shooter, this particular pickup was spotted during hot weather testing in southern Europe. Interestingly, a Volkswagen Amarok was along for the ride as a benchmark. Because the VW tends to offer a bit more comfort than the generally utilitarian Hilux, this could indicate Toyota is considering taking the new truck in a slightly comfier, more refined direction. Compared to the current model, this camouflaged tester sports a narrower front grille and headlights. The hood scoop is also absent here.

Filed under: Car Buying , Truck , Toyota Toyota has announced that its slightly redesigned 2012 Tacoma mid-size pickup will start at $16,875 (*plus $810 for delivery). For those keeping track, that figure is exactly $510 more than it was in 2011. That sum will net the buyer a Regular Cab 4×2 equipped with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission . Opting for Ye Olde Four-Speed Automatic with the four-cylinder engine will add $900 to the bottom line, while ticking the box for the Access Cab will bring the sticker up to $19,665 with a manual transmission. The least-expensive Double Cab with a four cylinder and automatic (manual gearboxes are not offered on four-door models) will cost $22,175. The cheapest way to get into a V6 Tacoma is to opt for the PreRunner package and five-speed automatic gearbox for $22,760. Want four-wheel drive? Be prepared to write a check for $20,725 with the four cylinder (Regular Cab, five-speed manual) or $25,055 with the V6 (Access Cab and six-speed manual). Going for broke? Fill out the paperwork for a V6-powered Long Bed Double Cab with a five-speed automatic and be prepared to spend $27,835 for the privilege of driving it off the lot.

Filed under: Truck , Toyota Turns out those images we ran of what appeared to be a 2012 Toyota Tacoma were indeed what they seemed. Thanks to the boys from Motor Trend , we now have a full spate of images along with some information on what makes the 2012 Tacoma different from its predecessor. The major updates center around a new front fascia that gives the Tacoma a more sturdy, angular look. There’s a new pronounced upside-down triangle look (it’s a Cylon!) to the grille that’s echoed in the lower bumper and punctuated by new bulging headlamps. There are also newly standard tow hooks on all models. Buyers opting for the TRD Sport Package will be rewarded with turn signals integrated into the side mirrors along with chrome five-spoke wheels measuring 18 inches in diameter. Inside, the 2012 Tacoma gets a revised gauge cluster, center stack and HVAC controls to go along with optional waterproof fabric and all-weather flooring. Toyota’s latest Entune infotainment and navigation system are also optional on high-end models. So far, mum’s the word on price, and Motor Trend seems to think that some powertrain updates may be due in short order. We’ll keep you abreast of any details as soon as they are available.

Filed under: Truck , Work , Toyota , Diesel 2012 Toyota Hilux – Click above for high-res image gallery When we think of Toyota icons, we tend to think of vehicles like the Prius , Land Cruiser , or perhaps the Corolla , the world’s best-selling nameplate. But entire towns have been built and many wars have been fought on the back of Toyota’s Hilux pickup. Celebrated the world over for its legendary ruggedness and anvil-like reliability, it’s been the workhorse of choice everywhere from Africa to Antarctica for decades. In other words, the debut of a new Hilux qualifies as a genuinely important development in global transportation. And while this isn’t an all-new model, there are a raft of changes worth noting for the new year. Starting with the obvious, the 2012 Hilux receives a completely new front clip, including new fenders headlights, bumper, hood, and three-bar grille. Additional changes include updated rear fenders, as well as new mirrors and alloy wheel designs. Inside, the changes are mostly minor, though there’s a new upper dashboard piece and an available 6.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system. Beyond that, Toyota cites “greater colour consistency throughout” and some silver trim bits as key changes. Underhood, the diesel-powered two-wheel-drive Hilux 2.5 D-4D gets a new variable nozzle turbo to boost power to 144 horses (+24) and 253 pound-feet of torque, all while lowering fuel consumption.